If you’re a gym owner looking to grow a profitable fitness business—or build a gym that’s valuable enough to sell—this Accelerate Session with Ben Lucas is a must-watch.
In this in-depth business-focused discussion, Ben Lucas shares proven strategies for building a high-value gym business that attracts members, runs efficiently, and appeals to potential buyers. Drawing from his real-world experience building, scaling, and selling successful gyms, Ben explains what separates thriving gyms from those that struggle to grow.
This session is designed for gym owners, fitness entrepreneurs, and personal training studio owners who want clarity, structure, and long-term success in the fitness industry.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- How to build systems and processes that remove owner dependency
- The key business structures buyers look for when purchasing a gym
- How to create a premium member experience that improves retention and revenue
- The leadership mindset required to scale a gym business sustainably
- Common mistakes gym owners make that silently reduce business value
Whether your goal is to sell your gym, expand to multiple locations, or simply create a smoother and more profitable operation, this Accelerate Session delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately.
If you want to build a gym business that feels less stressful, grows faster, and becomes a valuable asset in the fitness industry, this video will help you take the next step with confidence.
0:00 – Intro
02:31 – You built Flow Athletic in Paddington from a scratch, to a $4million fitness empire – and recently sold this year for a 4x multiple
tell us how long did you have the brand and what do you think made it so successful in such a competitive area of Sydney?
07:51 – Have you tried things in the business that don’t hit?
09:54 – When you introduce a new service for the first time, are you recruiting people with experience in that area, or do you train the existing staff up?
13:43 – Any tips for someone that would help them open at breakeven?
21:02 – You had a really successful exit – selling the business this year – what tips or insights can you offer to anyone who might someday wish to sell their gym?
25:32 – On the flip side what mistakes can you make to tank a sale?
29:33 – Are there any courses or training that you found to be really helpful?
31:00 – What other things have you taught your team to help make a successful, sellable business?
34:20 – What is a standard multiple for the industry for sale?
36:34 – Can you discuss CRMs?
38:00 – How did you work out the salary, and early on, how did you ensure that it was worth it?
41:28 – When you’re off the gym floor, working “on” the business? What did you find was the best use of your time?
47:33 – Were any of your salary trainers doing sales?
50:16 – Small business is not all beer and skittles – what are some challenges you faced in your career, and how do you think that shaped you as a leader?
53:47 – What is one thing you know now in business that you wish you had known at the start?
55:14 – Where do you see yourself in 2026? What are your plans now that you have sold the gym?
